Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power." Psalm 21:13
Text: Genesis 14:1-24
THE SLOW BUT STEADY TRANSFORMATION OF ABRAM
What was Abram like when he began his walk of faith? At best there was ambivalence. There were moments of courage, but there were also moments of weaknesses. What was significant though, was the continued sense of growth in his life!
1. Courage to Cowardice
It is never easy to start all over again in life. At 75 years, Abram began a walk with God based on his faith in Him. It took courage to leave Haran and journey to a foreign country called Canaan.
All went well, until he faced the crisis of famine. Instead of toughing it out, Abram sought an “easier life” in Egypt. Only by the mercies of God did he survive! He was expelled from Egypt on the grounds that he had deceived the Pharaoh, by declaring that Sarai was his sister rather than his wife!
2. Cowardice to Heroism
Abram was not really a coward at heart. Giving in to his fears, Abram brought shame to himself. An opportunity arose for him to redeem his good name. His conquest over the coalition of four kings made his name famous! It was Abram the Hebrew who planned the attack on the enemies led by Chedorlaomer. He became a local folk hero at the end of the battle!
THE GOD THAT ABRAM WORSHIPPED
At last, Abram could put a name to the God he worshipped faithfully! He used the term that Melchizedek employed to describe God, when he spoke to the king of Sodom.
“The Lord, God Most High, the
Possessor of heaven and earth.”GENESIS 14:22
As his knowledge of God grew, so did the faith of Abram. He had discovered some wonderful attributes about this Person he called “The Lord, God Most High” (“El Elyon” in Hebrew).
1. Possessor of Heaven and Earth
It was as Possessor of heaven and earth that He was able to make the promise to Abram, that He would give him the land of Canaan. He who was Creator-God must of necessity be called “Possessor of heaven and earth” as well!
2. A God whose Personal Friendship was to be Treasured
No other deity ever revealed himself to his devotee! Abram appreciated this wonderful living relationship and friendship with God. He was to be worshipped in awe. Giving to His servant, the priest-king Melchizedek a tithe was fitting! But He was also a wonderful God whose personal friendship was to be treasured!